This year on the Saremento river they had an outstanding king return. And this is the first returning adults of the smolts being barged to SF bay, to bypass all or most of the in river predication.
If the hatchery fish are so spendy, why doesn’t this state consider barging all smelt on CR,to Astoria. Getting them past most of the predication, and Dam/hydro losses. Maybe do the same in the hood canal to get them past the floating bridge. Smelt on Chehalis and it’s tributary could be trucked to the bay.
Instead of 10% or fewer making it to the bay, the entire group would.
Might be the single best way to help the Whales.

Matt